Four people, including three children, were killed and nine others injured when a balloon-filling cylinder exploded at a local market in Asoda area of Hapur district of western Uttar Pradesh on Friday evening.
Hapur is about 50 kms from Delhi. The incident took place around 530PM at a local weekly market in Asoda, where residents from neighbouring localities had arrived to purchase low-cost items and vegetables.
The balloon-filling cylinder owned by 40-year-old Ameer, who hails from Majidpura in Hapur, developed a snag and exploded with a loud bang.
Senior administration, police and fire department officials reached the spot and the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals.
“The children had arrived to buy the gas-filled balloons from a local vendor. The cylinder that exploded acted as a bomb and critically injured people present within an area of 10-15 metres. Three minors and a 35-year-old woman later succumbed to their injuries as pieces of the cylinder acted as splinters and hit them,” a district administration officer from Hapur said.
The officials identified the victims as Shadab, 5, Soni, 9, Ritik, 7 and Fatima, 35 years. Both Shadab and Soni are cousins.
{{/usCountry}}The officials identified the victims as Shadab, 5, Soni, 9, Ritik, 7 and Fatima, 35 years. Both Shadab and Soni are cousins.
{{/usCountry}}“Nine other people suffered major injuries due to the splinters. They sustained injuries on their heads, legs and other parts. Four of the nine injured were in a critical condition and rushed to Meerut Medical College. The rest were shifted to a private hospital in Hapur,” the official said.
Hapur district magistrate Ajay Yadav announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the dead and ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.
“A compensation of Rs 2 lakh each has been announced for the families of the four dead. Another `50,000 has been announced for those who suffered severe injuries. We have made arrangements for the treatment of the victims,” Yadav said.